The mixed-use entertainment district currently under development next to Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee will be called 865 Neyland.
UT Sports said the $288 million 865 Neyland entertainment district is going to be a game changer for UT Sports fans and a huge asset for the entire campus.
The naming announcement marks a major milestone for the project and includes the debut of the development’s official logo, the launch of digital platforms including 865Neyland.com, the release of updated renderings and a fly-through video, and additional details on the district’s anchor dining experiences.
The name 865 Neyland combines East Tennessee’s iconic area code, which spells “VOL” on a telephone keypad, with one of the most recognizable venues in college athletics.
The result is a distinctive identity that celebrates the region’s heritage while positioning the district as a year-round destination for entertainment, hospitality and residential living. Adding to its significance, 865 Neyland will also serve as the future address of the development.
Plans for the mixed-use development include:
- A rooftop bar overlooking Neyland Stadium
- An anchor restaurant inspired by East Tennessee traditions
- A multilevel sports bar
- Two outdoor plazas with green space and additional food and beverage offerings
- 3,000 square feet of LED displays
- A performance stage featuring a 50-foot LED display for hosting major artists, watch parties and special events
Public-private partnership
The 865 Neyland entertainment district project is being developed through a public-private partnership between the University of Tennessee, RVX Ventures, Magellan Development Group and Arctos Sports.
Taylor Gray, Principal of RVX Ventures, said, “The launch of the 865 Neyland brand reflects the momentum behind one of the most ambitious mixed-use developments in college athletics.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to create a destination that authentically captures the culture, passion and energy surrounding Tennessee athletics while delivering an experience that serves the Knoxville community every day of the year.”
Scheduled for completion in 2028, the entertainment district will be anchored by two signature dining experiences: a flagship restaurant inspired by the traditions of East Tennessee, and a multi-level sports bar designed to bring fans, residents, and visitors together year-round.
Additional dining concepts will serve both the lower and upper plazas, creating a diverse mix of food and beverage offerings throughout the development. Names and brand identities for the concepts will be announced at a later date.
Throughout the district, guests will experience more than 3,000 square feet of LED displays and world-class media and entertainment technology designed to create an immersive environment.
Open plazas
The development will feature two outdoor plazas designed to serve as central gathering spaces.
One plaza will include a performance stage – anchored by a 50-foot LED display – capable of hosting nationally-recognized artists, watch parties and special events. The plazas will also feature unique food and beverage offerings, expansive green space and flexible programming areas designed to activate the district year-round.
In total, the development will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor entertainment, dining and retail space alongside a 24-story hotel and residential tower. The brand of the hotel and residential component will be announced at a later date.
Designed to enhance the gameday experience while serving Knoxville residents and visitors year-round, the 865 Neyland entertainment district is expected to create more than 450 permanent jobs and 1,300 construction jobs while attracting more than 2.5 million annual visitors.
The project is also projected to generate more than $5 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years through increased tourism, hospitality, entertainment and retail activity.
Visitors can learn more by visiting 865Neyland.com and following 865 Neyland across its social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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